Last Saturday night?s out of zone match-up at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan was crucial for both Belmopan United and the Placencia Pirates in terms of playoff implications. Placencia?s lead in Group A had dwindled to a single point over 2ndplace New Site Erei while Belmopan were locked in a three-way tie for the 2ndspot in Group B. Belmopan held the 4thspot due to goal difference.

Both have been struggling in form and needed a win to reinforce their chances of advancing to the next round. This had the recipe for an explosive match. Unfortunately, it was everything but that, as the game resulted in a scoreless draw. With the draw, all Placencia could hope for was a draw or a loss by New Site Erei so that they could maintain their hold of the first spot. But that was very unlikely because New Site was scheduled to play the hapless Cayo Avengers that same night.

For Belmopan, the single point was nevertheless important. They could very well claim one of the coveted spots with a victory in their final game.

Cayo Avengers vs New Site Erei

In the other Saturday night match-up, the Cayo Avengers played host to the defending champions, New Site Erei. Less than two weeks ago, Avengers visited New Site and suffered an embarrassing 9-nil defeat. Of course, in that particular game, Avengers were not in full strength as several key players failed to make the trip.

Well, it was deja-vu on Saturday night as several players again failed to show up for this home game against the defending champions. Avengers started the game with 9 players and finished with 8 as one player had to exit due to injury.

When the referee blew the final whistle, the final score was 14-0 in favor of New Site Erei. Norman ?Tilliman? Pipersburgh scored 4 goals to bring his total to 12 goals to lead the tournament. Lennox ?Criminal? Castillo also had a good night in the goal department by scoring 3 goals for New Site. Lloyd Nunez and Darwin Castillo scored 2 goals each while Ryan Simpson, Deon Frazer and Elroy Kuylen scored one goal in the victory.

ALL the Avengers who showed up for the game, especially the Avengers? striker Patrick Miller who ended up as goalkeeper, have nothing to be ashamed of. Against all odds, you still came out and played your heart and soul.

The victory for New Site moves them into first place with a 1-point lead over the Placencia Pirates.

Wagiya vs F.C. Belize (OOZ)

Going into Sunday?s out of zone match-up, Wagiya held the 3rdspot in Group A behind New Site Erei and the Placencia Pirates. F.C. Belize was locked in a three-way tie in Group B for the 2ndspot with Hankook Verdes and Belmopan United. This was a crucial game for both, and something had to give. And that it did.

Wagiya, who were on a 3-game winning streak, suffered a stunning 2-nil loss at the hands (or feet) of F.C. Belize. After a scoreless 1sthalf, Clifford Usher broke the ice 9 minutes into the 2ndhalf, giving F.C. the 1-nil lead. But 8 minutes later, before Wagiya could regain their composure, Jeromy James scored F.C.?s 2ndgoal.

With the 2-nil victory, F.C. Belize have taken over the 1stspot in Group B with 12 points. The loss proved fatal to Wagiya?s campaign, as they have now been eliminated from the playoffs.

Kremandala Penta vs Alpha

In the final match-up for last weekend, Kremandala Penta played host to the young guns from Shuga City Orange Walk – Alpha. After F.C.?s Saturday night?s shutout of Wagiya, Penta fell to the 2ndspot. Alpha was bringing up the rear, only 3 points behind.

Despite being on a 5-game unbeaten streak, Penta has been struggling a great deal in the offensive department. Same thing goes for Alpha. Both teams combined for 8 draws, which is 2 less than combined victories for all 5 teams in Group B. Penta had the overall advantage throughout the game. But as usual, they failed to get a goal from the many opportunities at the goal. Then again, a lot of that could be credited to Alpha?s veteran goalkeeper, Charles Slusher, who made many key saves throughout the game.

Alpha had their share of opportunities as well. But, like Penta, they failed to convert and the game ended in a scoreless draw. It was a golden opportunity for Penta to regain the 1stplace position. Instead, they remain at 2ndplace with 11 points while Alpha remains in the 5thspot.